Infant mortality: How can Michigan close the gap?

EVENT: Panel discussion on various approaches to reduce infant mortality and describe successes and challenges in trying to address the problem.

Infant mortality rates in Michigan are among the highest in the country (Michigan currently ranks 38th out of 50 states) and has has remained above the national average for the last three decades.

The problem has been particularly acute among African-American mothers. In 2016, the most recent year for which data is available, the infant mortality rate was 12 per 1,000 births for African-American mothers, compared to 5.5 deaths per 1,000 births for white mothers. While infant mortality has been declining, it remains a critical issue for the state.

Panelists include Joneigh Khaldun, director and health officer of the Detroit Health Department; Lynette Biery, director of the Bureau of Family Health Services at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; and Jaye Clement, director of the Henry Ford Health System’s community health programs and strategies.

The discussion will be moderated by Robin Jacob, associate research professor at the U-M Institute for Social Research and School of Education.